Stabler Will Not Return To Alabama Broadcast Booth

Alabama Crimson Tide Stabler took a leave of absence following his DUI arrest in last June. He was aquitted in October but Stabler has now decided he won't return to the booth.

by Jamie Burch

Published: Thu, April 16, 2009 - 4:43 pm CST Last Updated: Thu, April 16, 2009 - 5:53 pm CST

Kenny Stabler will not return to the broadcast booth to call Alabama football games.
Stabler took a leave of absence following his DUI arrest in Robertsdale last June. He was acquitted of the charges in October. But Stabler has now decided he won't return to the booth.
The university released a statement about Stabler's decision. In it, Athletics Director Mal Moore says "In talking recently with Kenny, he has decided to pursue other opportunities ... I appreciate Kenny's contributions to our program over the years ... Kenny's an important part of our history and his involvement as part of our announce team over the years was tremendous."
A full copy of the release is pasted below
Jim Carabin, the general manager of the Crimson Tide Sports Network, says they hope to name a permanent replacement very soon.

ALABAMA ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS
Wednesday, April 15, 2009

KEN STABLER WILL NOT RETURN AS ANALYST ON CRIMSON TIDE FOOTBALL BROADCASTS

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - Crimson Tide Sports Network General Manager Jim Carabin and University of Alabama Director of Athletics Mal Moore announced today that former Crimson Tide quarterback Ken Stabler will not return to his former position as a color analyst on CTSM's radio broadcasts of Alabama football. An All-American quarterback for the Crimson Tide in 1967, Stabler served as color analyst for the network from 1998-2007 before taking a leave of absence for the 2008 season.

“In talking recently with Kenny he has decided to pursue other opportunities and will not return to our radio broadcast team,” Moore said. "I appreciate Kenny's contributions to our program over the years and I look forward to that relationship continuing in the future. Kenny's an important part of our history and his involvement as part of our announce team over the years was tremendous."

“I would like to thank Learfield Sports, ISP, the entire CTSN broadcast team, the University of Alabama and its athletic department for their tremendous support through the years,” Stabler said. “I will continue to support UA in any way possible and wish only the best to the entire Alabama family."

A permanent replacement for Stabler has not been determined. CTSM used a rotation of former players to fill in on color analysis during the 2008 season.

"We hope to have a decision on a permanent replacement very soon," Carabin said.

WKRG.com » News Stream » Alabama